When I was handed the cookbook, I thought that it should be on the coffee
table instead of the kitchen counter because of the size. It is large, thick
and heavy. As I opened it up, I found that I could not stop flipping through
the pages. The photography is beautiful! I have never been to Mexico but
always loved the food. The chapters focus on the different regions around
Mexico. There are maps to show you exactly where the region is located and
recipes from the area. As I glanced at the pictures, one caught my eye ...bisteces
rellenos (stuffed beef rolls). I have made beef rolls many times and I wanted
to see what an authentic one would taste like. The ingredients could be found
at any local supermarket. It was very easy to make. The sauce was made of beef
stock, fresh tomatoes, cumin, cloves, red wine, garlic, onions and chile
serranos. How could it be bad? I also made budin de calabacita (zucchini
pudding). I love zucchini and found this to be delicious! The recipes are easy
to follow. Most of them have pictures of the finished product.... which I
love. I may not have been to Mexico yet, but as I looked at the pictures in
this beautiful book and made some recipes from it while sipping a Corona, I
felt like I had a truly authentic Mexican evening without leaving the United
States!

Cover each steak with a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap and pound until 1/a
in (6 mm) thick. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper and set aside.

Place the carrots in a saucepan of boiling salted water and cook until
crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.

Rinse the spinach, place in a skillet with just the water that clings to the
leaves, cover and cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until wilted. Drain
and chop finely. In a small bowl, combine the carrots and spinach and set
aside.

Place a slice of ham on top of each steak, fill with the spinach-carrot
mixture, roll up and tie with a string.

Puree the tomatoes, garlic, cumin and cloves in a blender.

Heat the oil in a skillet, add the steaks and brown lightly, 2-3 minutes.
Transfer to a platter and set aside.

Saute the onion in the same oil, add the flour and stir for 2 minutes. Add the
tomato puree and cook over high heat, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Add
the stock, wine, bay leaves and chile serrano and simmer for 5 minutes.
Correct the seasonings. Add the steaks and any juices that have accumulated on
the platter. Cook, covered, over low heat for 10 minutes or until tender.
Sprinkle with the cilantro and serve hot.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). In a covered saucepan, cook the zucchini
in boiling water until tender. Drain, then mash them in a large bowl. Add the
cup (4 oz/125 g) of cheese and the egg, crackers and butter; mix well with a
wooden spoon. Add the nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese
and bake until the pudding thickens, 15 to 20 minutes.
Budines, which are similar to the Jewish kugel or vegetable puddings, are a
popular way to serve vegetables in Mexico.
This one, made of squash, is most traditional and can be served as a separate
course or to accompany a main dish. It would nicely complement lomo de cerdo
con salsa de tomate y rajas (page 136).